Common nicknames like "Will" for William and "Jill" for
Jillian are generally fine, says Wei. But since banks don't have
a real policy on this—other than what they advise their
tellers—if you go by "sweetie," "boo" or a symbol like
Prince, you'd better read this tips to make sure you get
paid:

1. Update your bank account profile. This should
nip the problem right in the bud, says Wei. When you go to
deposit a check, the name will be there.

2. Fix the check. Either ask the issuer to
address the check to you in your legal name (or the one on your
checking account), or have him/her cross out your nickname,
initial it and write your legal name.

3. Don't take any chances. If you thought Bank
of America's monthly fees were annoying, you won't be happy
getting hit with a $12 returned item fee on a nicknamed check.
Make sure you've completed steps 1 and 2 before you deposit
it.